Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) · Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Request for Applications Essential information guiding application for

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Request for Applications

Essential information guiding application for and award of this grant is contained in this Request for Applications (RFA).

A letter of Intent to Apply is required. Due June 15, 2020.

Applications are due to the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development no later than June 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Alaska Daylight Savings Time.

Contact

Division of Innovation and Education Excellence

Alaska Department of Education & Early Development 801 West 10th Street, Suite 200 • PO Box 110500

Juneau, AK 99811-0500 [email protected]

Copies of this RFA are available electronically on the DEED forms webpage. Form 05-20-051

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.education.alaska.gov/forms

Form #05-20-051 2 | P a g e Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

General Applicant Information

COMPLETED GRANT APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 p.m.

June 30, 2020

NOTE: Applications received after June 30, 2020 will be returned unopened and not considered unless applicant can provide independent verification from a delivery service that delivery would have met the required deadline but was unavoidably detained by weather or the carrier’s mechanical failure. Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the program contact as soon as possible if they expect an application delay due to weather or the carrier’s mechanical failure.

Electronic submissions are accepted and highly encouraged. Electronic submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2020. Completed applications should be sent to: By Mail: Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Division of Innovation for Education Excellence ATTN: Deb Riddle P.O. Box 110500 Juneau, Alaska 99811-0500

Electronically: [email protected]

Subject line must read: GEERF RFA

Applications that do not meet the specifications listed in this Request for Applications (RFA) may not be reviewed.

Do not attach any additional support materials beyond what is identified as acceptable appendices. Do not use spiral binding.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Submission of a grant application indicates acceptance by the applicant of the appropriate federal and state

administrative conditions. All applicants submitting applications in a timely manner will receive a Grant Application Receipt Acknowledgment by email.

Please direct questions to:

[email protected]



3 | P a g e Form #05-20-051 Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

Contents

General Applicant Information.............................................................................................. 2

Section I: Description of the Project ...................................................................................... 4

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

Eligible Recipients ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Uses of Funds ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Reporting Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Section II: General Grant Information ................................................................................... 6

Available Funding and Related Conditions ......................................................................................................... 6

Grant Application Process Timelines .................................................................................................................. 6

Application .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Application Review Process ................................................................................................................................ 7

Section III: Grant Application ................................................................................................ 8

Application Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Part A: Abstract (15 points)................................................................................................................................. 9

Part B: Project Goals and Program Details (115 points) ..................................................................................... 9

Part C: Budget, Narrative & Summary (20 Points Total)................................................................................... 11

Part D: Competitive Preference 1: Innovation (Up to 10 Points) ..................................................................... 11

Part E: Competitive Preference 2: Partnerships (Up to 10 Points) ................................................................... 11

Section IV: Appendices........................................................................................................ 12

Appendix A: Conditions of Subgrant Awards .................................................................................................... 13

Appendix B: Criteria for Review & Scoring Guide ............................................................................................. 17

Appendix C: Submission Checklist .................................................................................................................... 24

Appendix D: Definitions .................................................................................................................................... 25


Section I: Description of the Project

Introduction

The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) was established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The U.S. Department of Education (US ED) awarded grants to Governors for

the purpose of providing education related entities with emergency assistance as a result of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This document is an invitation for innovation and creativity to address the unique challenges faced by Alaska’s students during the COVID-19 pandemic, school building closures, and the adjustment to remote learning.

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the need to modify how education is provided to our children and

youth. The CARES Act, through GEERF, allows an opportunity to think about new ways to provide meaningful educational experiences to all of our students.

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide education related entities the opportunity to establish innovative strategies to carry out:

provide emergency educational services to students,

provide childcare and early childhood education,

provide social and emotional support, and protect education-related jobs.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients include:

Education-Related Entities o State agencies that oversee or directly provide early childhood education services

o Public agencies or private entities that coordinate or directly provide early intervention services

under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

o State agencies that oversee or provide vocational rehabilitative services

o State mental health agencies

o State Higher Education Boards

o Education-related non-profit organizations

o Non-public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools

o For-profit elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools

o Charter management organizations

o Non-profit and for-profit child-care centers

o Public libraries

o Community centers

o State or local agencies coordinating food services for students and their families

Uses of Funds

Allowable use of grant funds falls under section 18002(c)(3).


1. Any activity: a. authorized by the ESEA of 1965, including the Native Hawaiian Education Act and the Alaska

Native Education Equity, Support, and Assistance Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), b. the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C 1400 et seq.),

c. the Adult Education Act (20 U.S.C 1400 et seq.), d. the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 ed seq.), or

e. subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). 2. Emergency educational services to students for authorized activities described in the provision of the

childcare and early childhood education (18002(c)(3)). 3. Activities that provide social and emotional support

4. Activities that protect education related jobs 5. Technology related activities that will improve capacity to provide high-quality, accessible, distance

education, or remote learning such as: a. Providing off-campus access to reliable, high-speed internet for students and teachers through

the purchase of internet-connected devices/equipment, mobile hotspots, wireless service

plans, or installation of Community Wi-Fi Hotspots, especially in underserved communities b. Purchasing hardware and software applications for students and teachers

6. Providing access to high-quality digital learning content, apps, and tools that can deliver engaging and relevant learning experiences that are accessible to all students

7. Covering costs associated with making materials (including distance education or remote learning) accessible for students with disabilities or English learners

8. Providing professional development and training for teachers on effective strategies for the delivery of remote and digital instruction

Reporting Requirements

Recipients of this grant will be required to submit quarterly and end of year reports to evaluate the progress towards meeting the measurable program outcomes defined in the eligible entities grant application. Reports

will describe: 1. Estimated number of jobs created or retained by the project or activity

2. Detailed information on contracts or subawards > $150,000 to include the data elements required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) ,

including: a. Project Description b. Obligation/Action Date c. Subaward Date d. Subawardee DUNS

e. Subawardee Names f. Subawardee Address

g. Amount of Subaward h. Subawardee Principal Place of Performance

i. Subaward Number j. Subaward Project Description

3. Progress towards meeting goals and outcomes a. Data- quantitative or qualitative if available.


Section II: General Grant Information

Available Funding and Related Conditions

1. Minimum and Maximum Award per Subgrant Grant amounts will range from $20,000 to $250,000.

2. Funding Period Grants will be awarded for Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021). This is a one-year grant

with an option of a one-year extension, if granted.

3. Continuation Funding These funds originate from the CARES Act to address the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continuation funding will not be available.

Grant Application Process Timelines

RFA Released: June 3, 2020 Letter of Intent- Required June 15, 2020

Optional Webinars for Participants

June 8, 2020, 2:00 pm Join Here Or Join by phone

1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada) Access code: 808 358 953

June 11, 2020, 2:00 pm Join Here Or Join by phone

1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada) Access code: 808 358 953

RFA Due: June 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Applications received after this time/date will be returned unopened and not considered unless the applicant can provide an independent verification from the U.S. Post Office or delivery service that the delivery would have met the required deadline but was

unavoidably detained by weather or their mechanical failure. Subgrant Review Period: July 1-7, 2020

Notice of Intent to Award: July 8, 2020 The state reserves the right to revoke this Notice of Intent to Award if it is subsequently

found to be in error, or made on the basis of inaccurate information, or is otherwise in the best interest of the state to do so.

Appeal Period: July 8, 2020 – July 22, 2020 Grant Award Issuance: July 23, 2020

Grant Period (Year 1): March 13, 2020 – June 30, 2021 First Quarter Report Due: October 31, 2020

Second Quarter Report Due: January 31, 2021

Third Quarter Report Due April 30, 2021

End of Year Report Due: August 1, 2021

https://stateofalaska.webex.com/meet/DEBORAH.RIDDLE

https://stateofalaska.webex.com/meet/DEBORAH.RIDDLE


Application

The application provides the opportunity to outline activities and a timeline for the proposed project. Each subgrantee will describe the activities that will be used to address strategies and programs that align with the purpose of the CARES Act, passed on March 27, 2020.

Consider evidence-based activities appropriate for projects designated in this application. The document

“Meeting Alaska’s Education Challenge Together” has a series of goals that are designed to promote education for students in Alaska. These goals also outline options for innovation such as incorporating career and

technical education and dual credit for high schools students , incorporating activities that promote safety and well-being for all students, and working tirelessly to ensure students are reading on grade level by third grade.

Complete applications must contain the following:

A. Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Request for Application Form #05-20-051

B. One-year budget/narrative School Districts – for 2020-2021 school year Form #05-07-071

Non-profits & For profits – for State Fiscal Year 2021 (07/1/20-06/30/21) Form #05-07-069 C. Assurances Package signed by authorized representative Form #05-20-052

All forms referenced above are available on the DEED Forms webpage. Using the state forms for budget/budget narratives referenced above (Form #05-07-071 or Form #05-07-069), provide the following information to include a detailed budget and budget narrative that itemizes how you will use grant funds. Indicate in both the budget and the budget narrative the purpose by line item for each of the expenditures, paying particular attention to the following categories:

Staffing: For each position, describe the services to be provided, the duration of services, and the unit rate of pay (salary, per hour or per day).

Professional/Technical: Describe proposed subcontract agreements with other allowable contractors including the cost.

Staff Travel: Indicate how many traveling, the event, amount of time, and cost.

Supplies/Materials: Please provide specific information on supplies and materials requested and their costs per site.

Application Review Process

The review panel will review the information provided by the applicant. Applications will be scored

independently using the scoring form and scoring guide included in this RFA. Reviewers will then meet to clarify the accuracy of reviewers’ understanding. Each reviewer will assign a rating to each letter/number

subsection published in the scoring guide. The entire range of scores, including 0, may be used by the reviewer for each subsection. The reviewers’ total scores will be averaged to determine the order by which applications

will be considered for funding.

Reviewers will be asked for recommendations for improving the project and commenting on the feasibility of the budget. These comments may form the basis for adjustments negotiated to the project prior to receiving a subgrant award.

https://education.alaska.gov/akedchallenge/alaska-strategic-priorities.pdf

http://www.education.alaska.gov/forms


Section III: Grant Application

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF)

Competitive RFA COVER PAGE

Due Date: June 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Division of Innovation and Education Excellence

P.O. Box 110500 801 West 10

th Street, Suite 200

Juneau, Alaska 99811-0500 Email:

[email protected]

Subgrantee Data Information

Applicant(s):

Mailing Address:

Phone Number:

Superintendent Name:

Phone and Email:

Grand Lean Name:

Phone and Email:

Amount of Funding Requested for 1st Year:

By my signature below, I agree, upon the approval of the project application by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, to accept and perform the requirements as contained in the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund Assurance & Certification Packet.

Name of Authorized Representative

Signature of Authorized Representative Date



Application Guidelines

Letter of Intent- Required Each applicant must submit a letter of intent before submitting a grant application. The letter must address

three question:

1. What problem are you trying to solve?

2. How will this money help solve the problem? 3. What will success look like?

Submit the letter of intent to [email protected].

Note to Applicant: The point value assigned for each question is listed in the header of each section. The

Application Review Panel will use these point values during the application review process. Scores between 0 and the maximum identified points may be given. Funds will be awarded among the eligible recipients on a

competitive basis based on the quality of planning and program evaluation described in the respons es to these questions. See the Criteria for Review and Scoring Guide in Appendix A to help guide your responses.

Application Format

The application narratives (Sections A and B) must total no more than 20 pages, double-spaced with no

smaller than 12 point font, excluding the cover page, project budget, budget narrative, any applicable memorandum(s) of agreement or understanding, job descriptions and resumes. Make sure to clearly label all

parts and subparts to sequentially follow the application questions. Appendices may exceed the page limit, but reviewers will only be required to read those appendices required by this grant. Applicants are encouraged to format their work in ways that assist the reviewers to clearly understand the applicant’s intent (e.g. a font no smaller than 12 point and double spaced).

Part A: Abstract (15 points)

Project Abstract

Provide a brief summary (no more than one doubled-spaced page) of the proposed project. A reader should be able to gain a clear picture of the project from reading the abstract. It should answer the question: What would a visitor see if he/she came to observe your project, and how will it be different from the current programming? A clear description should be provided of the population to be served including age range of children, an estimate of the number of participants to be served, the program/service approach, the program setting(s), and staffing.

Part B: Project Goals and Program Details (115 Points)

1. Project Goals (15 points) Create at least 3 goals Consider creating SMART goals for this project: specific, measurable,

achievable, realistic, and timely.

Specific: Make the goals specific and narrow.

Measurable: Define what evidence will prove the project is making progress and reevaluate when necessary.

Attainable: Goals can be reasonably accomplished within the timeframe.



Relevant: The goals should align with the objectives of the project, purpose of the grant, and allowable uses of funds.

Time-based: The time frame should be realistic in order to complete the project during the life of the grant.

2. Major Activities (60 points) Describe the major activities this project will address. Discuss how the activities address the purpose of this grant:


provide childcare and early childhood education, provide social and emotional support, and

protect education-related jobs.

Successful applicants will include innovative strategies to address these components.

For each activity include:

a description of the activity. The description should provide enough high-level detail for the

evaluation committee to be able to get a clear picture of the project. which activity listed in the “Use of Funds” from Section 1 will be addressed.

how the activity is targeting your project goals. what data will be gathered to measure the effectiveness of the activity.

3. Support and Commitment (20 points) Describe how the entity will provide ongoing leadership and support to students in the activities listed in this proposal.

Leadership

Resources

Capacity

Describe how the applicant will ensure the funds are used effectively and equitably.

Describe the capacity of the applicant’s leadership to facilitate the activities outlined in the proposal.

If applicable, describe how the GEERF will help build a system that is sustainable after the life of the grant.

Describe the applicant’s capacity to implement successful short-term programs with great effort.

4. Removing Barriers (20 points)

The purpose of this section is to ensure equal access by:

ensuring equal opportunities to participate to all eligible students, teachers, and other

program beneficiaries in any project or activity carried out under this grant,

promoting the ability of students, teacher, and beneficiaries to meet high standards.

What steps will the applicant take to ensure equal access to the project and to remove barriers to

equitable participation?


Part C: Budget, Narrative & Summary (20 Points)

Describe the applicant’s ability to provide sufficient fiscal oversight for the allocation of funds in an effective manner.

Describe how the applicant’s methods of assuring all expenditures for grant and other initiatives are clearly connected to both the need and the intended results.

Include a detailed budget narrative explaining the specific use of funds.

School Districts - for 2020-2021 school year Form #05-07-071

Non-profits & For Profits – for State Fiscal Year 2021 (07/1/20-06/30/21) Form #05-07-069

Part D: Competitive Preference 1: Innovation (Up to 10 Points)

Ideas presented within this application are innovative by introducing new or different approaches that

challenge traditional methods, processes, approaches to systems, problem solving, and products. The proposal challenges the status quo to produce something new and motivating that could be used as a model for other

education-related entities.

Part E: Competitive Preference 2: Partnerships (Up to 10 Points)

The proposal includes partnerships that can enhance their project. Questions to consider:

Are advisory groups/stakeholders utilized?

What external partners are included in the proposal? How does the inclusion of these partnerships

enhance the project? How are parents involved?


Section IV: Appendices

Appendix A: Conditions for Subgrant Award

Appendix B: Criteria for Review & Scoring Guide

Appendix C: Submission Checklist

Appendix D: Definitions


Appendix A: Conditions of Subgrant Awards

1. Program Administration In Alaska, the Department of Education & Early Development has been authorized to receive and distribute the federal funds appropriated for this program. Program provision shall be governed in all respects by the authorizing statute and the laws of the State of Alaska, and the Education Department

General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) including the General Education Provision Act (GEPA) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

(UGG).

Submittal of an application will show the applicant’s acceptance of all of the terms and conditions

contained in this Request for Application (RFA). The contents of the application will become contractually binding if a grant is awarded. Failure of the successful applicant to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. Upon opening, all submissions become the property of the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and are open to public inspection at all reasonable times. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all applications should it be deemed by the Department to be in its best interest to do so. Applicants can appeal the Department’s decision through the established State Appeal Process found in Alaska State Code, Chapter 40.

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in the development of applications. All costs incurred in responding to this RFA, including negotiation sessions (if held), are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

2. Grant Application Format

Section III of this RFA contains the grant application form. It is essential that each section clearly and concisely identify the items requested. Appendices may exceed this page limit, but reviewers will only be

required to read those appendices requested by this grant application.

3. Certificate of Assurances The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) grant is a federally funded program and the general Certifications and Assurances packet related to federal programs that was s ubmitted for the current fiscal year by the district to the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development will apply to this program. This is a reminder that the school district must be fully aware of its obligations to adhere to all state and federal requirements in the event the grant application is approved. If the applicant is not a school district, the assurance package is located at on the DEED Forms Page (Form #05-20-052).

Copies of this Request for Application may be obtained from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and are available on the department’s web page (education.alaska.gov/).

Assurance of Nondiscrimination

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in the department employment, supervision, practices, services or educational programs on

the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, and marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, veteran’s status, veteran’s disability or political affiliation.

4. Appeals Process 4 AAC 40.010 - 4 AAC 40.050 governs the process of appeals. This regulation in its entirety is available on the Alaska Legislative website.

https://education.alaska.gov/forms

http://www.education.alaska.gov/

http://www.akleg.gov/basis/aac.asp#4.40.010

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/aac.asp


5. Fiscal Procedures All payments will be made on a reimbursement basis for expenditures incurred by the subgrantee. Reimbursement requests must be submitted to the department at least quarterly and be listed on Form 165d (supplied by the department) or attaching a summary of expenditures to Form 165a. In addition, a

detailed computerized report or a detailed Form 165b is required indicating the date of obligation, vendor name, accounting object code, and exact amount of the transaction. The final payment will not be made

until after the grant activity has been concluded and the required end-of-year report has been submitted to the department. Expenditures in excess of approved budget amounts will be the responsibility of the

subgrantee.

Eligible expenditures will be limited to those directly necessary and essential to the accomplishment of the proposed grant activity. These will customarily include personnel salaries, benefits, consultant fees, materials and supplies, travel, telephone and postage. The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development shall determine the eligibility of any disputed item and the sponsoring school district or agency shall be responsible for any disputed expenditure. Changes in budgets for approved grant applications shall be conditional on written approval from the department.

The authorization to encumber grant monies will expire at the scheduled conclusion of the approved grant. The final financial statement should be submitted not later than 45 days after the grant expiration date.

School District and Non-Profit subgrantees are responsible for ensuring that audit and accounting

procedures are in compliance with OMB Circular A-128 and 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements.

6. Disallowable Costs The following are costs not allowed under US ED fiscal regulations and/or authorizing legislation: bad debts, contingencies, contributions and donations, entertainment costs, fines and penalties, interest and other financial costs, expenses of local governmental bodies such as school boards and city councils, undercover of costs under grant agreements, application preparation costs, and/or capital expenditures.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education does not expect administrative or executive salaries and

benefits to be a lawful purpose of these funds.

Items that may be considered to be educational incentives for students or staff are assumed to be

extraneous to the conduct of a federally funded program.

7. Subcontracts The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development retains the right to establish the following

procedures for sub-contracting within a project resulting from this RFA:

a. The subgrantee may sub-contract for services up to $5,000 without prior approval from the department.

b. Before sub-contracting for services of $5,000 or more the subgrantee must receive written approval from the Program Manager.

c. Sub-contracts of $5,000 or more must be in written form and a copy sent to the Program Manager

for placement in the RFA/Grant file.

8. Cancellation

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development reserves the right to cancel any grant awarded as a result of the RFA for any of the following reasons:


a. if the subgrantee demonstrates fiscal irresponsibility, b. if the subgrantee fails to perform in accordance with the conditions of this RFA, c. if the subgrantee fails to perform in accordance with the application and any negotiated

modifications,

d. if the state no longer has funds available for the project resulting from this RFA, or e. if the subgrantee included misleading or faulty information in the application.

9. Evaluation of Grantee Performance / Continuation of Funding Entities receiving state funds are required to meet all necessary reporting requirements of the subgrant. In awarding the subgrant, the state expects the subgrantees to conduct all activities and evaluation measures as stated in the RFA that are written or negotiated in the approved grant application. Failure to provide the requested performance reports and evaluations on all activities as proposed and to implement the subgrant as approved could result in the loss of funding. Any changes to the original approved application (including modifications to goals and/or objectives) must receive prior approval by DEED.

The state reserves the rights to withhold funding, reduce funding, or terminate funding if the subgrantee is

not meeting program reporting requirements, making substantial progress toward meeting identified performance goals and measures, or does not demonstrate a clear need for the allotted level of subgrant support. This includes access to unexpended funds at the end of each fiscal year.

After it has been awarded, the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development may terminate a subgrant by giving the subgrantee written notice of termination. In the event of termination after award,

the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development shall reimburse the subgrantee for approved subgrant expenses incurred up to the notification of termination.

The state retains the right to refrain from making any awards if it determines that to be in its best interest. This RFA does not, by itself, obligate the state.

The state reserves the right to add terms and conditions during subgrant negotiations. These terms and conditions will be within the scope of the RFA and will not affect the application reviews.

After the completion of subgrant negotiations, the state will issue a written Notice of Intent to Award (NIA) and send copies to all applicants. The NIA will set out the names of all applicants and identify the

application(s) selected for award.

The state reserves the right to modify annual awards based on the subgrantee’s performance towards outcomes outlined in the initial application.

10. Indemnification

Any contractor shall indemnify, safe harmless and defend the state, its officers, agents and employees from all liability, including costs and expenses, for all actions or claims resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or property arising indirectly or indirectly as a result of any error, omission or negligent act of the contractor, subcontractor or anyone directly employed by them in the performance of this contract.

All actions or claims including costs and expenses resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or property arising directly or indirectly from the contractor’s performance of this contract which

are caused by the joint negligence of the state and the contractor shall be apportioned on a comparative fault basis. Any such joint negligence on the part of the state must be a direct result of active involvement

by the state.


11. Insurance During the life of this grant, any contractor shall purchase and maintain insurance with a carrier or carriers

satisfactory to the Department of Administration, Division of Risk Management, covering injury to persons

or property suffered by the State of Alaska or a third party, as a result of errors or omissions or operations

which arise both out of and during the sub-contractor engaged in work under this grant. A thirty (30) days

prior notice to the Contracting Officer is required before cancellation, non-renewal or breach and ground

for termination of the contractor’s services.


Appendix B: Criteria for Review & Scoring Guide

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Competitive RFA

Criteria for Review Applicant:

Total Points Awarded:

Recommended for Funding:

Yes No

Required Information Yes No Reviewer’s Comments

COVER PAGE/ASSURANCES: Completed and signed ☐ ☐

ABSTRACT (PART A): Provides a one-page summary of program’s design and objectives . ☐ ☐

Program Goals and Details (PART B): Provides a summary of the student population,

processes for implementation and professional development as well as capacity to carry out the project.

☐ ☐

BUDGET, NARRATIVE, & SUMMARY (PART C): Completed and included ☐ ☐

Section Part Maximum Score Reviewer’s Score

Part A: Abstract 15 Points

Part B: Program Details 115 Points

Part C: Budget, Budget Narrative 20 Points

Total 150 Points

Part D: Competitive Preference- Innovation Up to 10 points

Part E: Competitive Preference- Partnerships Up to 10 points

Total 170 Points

Reviewer’s Name:

Reviewer’s Signature: Date:


Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Competitive RFA

Scoring Guide

Applicant:

Rating Scale: Criteria are to be rated according to the scale shown below.

10pt questions 0 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 15pt questions 0 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15

20pt questions 0 1-4 5-9 10-13 14-17 18-20

25pt questions 0 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25

30pt questions 0 1-7 8-12 13-18 19-24 25-30 60pt questions 0 1-12 13-25 26-38 39-50 51-60

Rating Not Provided Poor Fair Average Good Excellent

Part A

Abstract 15 Points

Reviewer’s Score

Reviewer’s Comments

Provides a clear overview of the project and demonstrates how the proposed program is consistent with the purpose, goals, and provisions of this grant. Demonstrates how various part of the program (proposed expenditures, activities, objectives and identified needs) are tied together.

Part B

Program Goals 15 Points

Reviewer’s Score


SMART goals that describe what the project will accomplish during the life of the grant.

At least 3 goals.


Major Activities

60 Points

Reviewer’s

Score Reviewer’s Comments

Describe the major activities this project will address. Discuss how the activities address the purpose of this

grant:


provide childcare and early childhood education,

provide social and emotional support, and

protect education-related jobs.

Successful applicants will include innovative strategies

to address these components.

For each activity include:

A description of the activity. The description should provide enough high-level detail for the evaluation committee to be able to get a clear picture of the project.

Which activity listed in the “Use of Funds” from Section 1 will be addressed.

How the activity is targeting your project goals. What data will be gathered to measure the

effectiveness of the activity.


Support and Commitment 20 Points

Reviewer’s Score


Describe how the entity will provide ongoing leadership and support to students in the activities listed in this

proposal.

Leadership

Resources

Capacity

Describe how the applicant will ensure the funds are

used effectively and equitably.

Describe the capacity of the applicant’s leadership to facilitate the activities outlined in the proposal.

Describe how the GEER funds will help build a system

that could be sustainable after the life of the grant.

Describe the applicant’s capacity to implement

successful short-term programs with great effort.


Removing Barriers 20 Points

Reviewer’s Score


Describe how the applicant will comply with the

requirements of Section 427 of GEPA, 20 U.S.C 1228a. The description must include information on the steps the applicant proposes to take to permit students,

teachers, and other program beneficiaries to overcome barriers (including barriers based on gender, race,

color, national origin, disability, and age) that impede access to, or participation in, the project.

What steps will the applicant take to ensure equal access to the project and to remove barriers to equitable participation?


Part C

Budget, Narrative & Summary

20 Points

Reviewer’s


Describe the district’s ability to provide sufficient fiscal oversight for the allocation of funds in an effective

manner. (10 pts)

Describe how the district’s methods of assuring all

expenditures for grant and other initiatives are Cleary connected to both the need and the intended results. (10 pts)


Competitive Preference

Competitive Preference Reviewer’s


Innovation, 10 Points

Ideas presented within this application are innovative

by introducing new or different approaches that challenge traditional methods, processes, approaches

to systems, problem solving, and products. The proposal challenges the status quo to produce

something new and motivating that could be used as a model.

Partnerships, 10 Points

The proposal includes partnerships that can enhance their project. Questions to consider:

Are advisory groups/stakeholders utilized? What external partners are included in the

proposal? How does the inclusion of these partnerships enhance the project?

How are parents involved?


Appendix C: Submission Checklist

☐ You are an eligible applicant.

☐ The pages below have been signed:

☐ Application Cover Page

☐ Grant Application Assurances

☐ Program Budget Forms for all years of the grant

☐ The Project Abstract is included.

☐ Program goals and details sections have all been answered.

☐ If you are mailing your application, you have submitted one original and three (3) copies.

☐ The application is no more than [page length] pages, double-spaced, excluding the cover page, abstract, project budget and narrative forms, applicable memorandums of agreements/understanding, job descriptions and resumes.


Appendix D: Definitions

CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020,

provides funding and flexibilities for States to respond to the COVID-19 emergency in K-12 schools. In

addition to providing a variety of waivers for assessments, accountability, reporting and funding

carryover, the CARES Act provides an economic stimulus to individuals, businesses, and schools.

Education-related entity

The GEER Fund statute allows subgrants to, or contracts with, education-related entities.

An education-related entity is a governmental, nonprofit or for-profit entity within the

State that provides services that support preschool, elementary, secondary, or higher

education. Such entities may include, for example:

State agencies that oversee or directly provide early childhood education services;

Public agencies or private entities that coordinate or directly provide early intervention services

under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);

State agencies that oversee or provide vocational rehabilitative services;

State mental health agencies;

State Higher Education Boards;

Education-related non-profit organizations;

Non-public elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools;

For-profit elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools;

Charter management organizations;

Non-profit and for-profit child-care centers;

Public libraries;

Community centers; and

State or local agencies coordinating food services for students and their families.

ESSER Fund

Congress set aside approximately $13.2 billion of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education

Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Fund (ESSER Fund). The Department will award these grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for

the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are LEAs,

with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on

elementary and secondary schools across the Nation.

ESSER Fund awards to SEAs are in the same proportion as each State received funds under Part A of

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, in fiscal year 2019.

More information regarding the CARES Act, ESSER and GEER Funds can be found on the DEED COVID-

19 Webpage.

https://education.alaska.gov/safeschools/infectiousdisease

https://education.alaska.gov/safeschools/infectiousdisease


Institution of higher education (IHE)

A postsecondary institution that is accredited, legally authorized by the State and recognized by the

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Section 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) provides additional information.

Local Education Agency (LEA)

A local education agency is a local school district. Section 8101(30) of the ESEA provides additional

information.

Documents

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) · Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF) Request for Applications Essential information guiding application for